Leading investors and property experts from across the region have hailed the city's third visit to MIPIM, the world's largest property event, as a tremendous success.

Bradford was thrust into the limelight during the event in Cannes, attracting the attention of international real estate professionals and investors during the three-day event.

More than 600 senior decision-makers and property professionals attended the Bradford exhibition stand and sponsored events in the Bradford apartment to find out about progress of the city's regeneration and to learn more about key projects and investment opportunities available.

Bradford's regeneration initiative drew significant interest from more than 20 major investors and developers with considerable developer interest in the Exchange Court and Business Forest mixed-use development opportunities.

And it has been revealed that a number of investors from the Middle East were very impressed with the plans and are now exploring opportunities that are available.

Regeneration chiefs from the city hosted a series of events featuring high-profile guest speakers including designer Wayne Hemingway, the incoming chief executive of the Government's newly-formed Homes and Communities Agency, Sir Bob Kerslake and environmentalist Bjorn Lomborg.

During the conference, Bradford unveiled plans to create a £750 million Learning Quarter and the expansion of the Listerhills Sustainable Student Village.

A record 39 businesses sponsored Bradford's biggest-ever presence at MIPIM, attracting major names from across the property and investment world.

Mohammed Ishtiaq, of Mi7, the developer responsible for the Listerhills development and one of the lead Gold Sponsors, said: "Bradford really made its mark this year and attracted a huge amount of attention.

"With 74 countries represented and more than 26,000 participants attending, MIPIM is an ideal opportunity to raise the profile of Bradford.

"A number of investors from the Middle East who I'm already working with were particularly impressed with the opportunities that exist in Bradford and left with serious intentions of exploring these opportunities further.

"It is clear that investors have a great deal of respect and confidence in the city."

Harold Robinson, of Magellan Properties, said: "It was a resounding success for the Bradford team at MIPIM for the third year running. A great opportunity to tell the development world how Bradford is transforming itself."

Sheikh Mani Waheed, of Squarefoot Apartments, said: "Many international investors now have Bradford firmly on their radar of property markets with high growth potential.

"As a key agent it is essential that we are at MIPIM to promote the city and answer their questions."

The team representing the city was led by senior members from the Council and Yorkshire Forward as well as leaders from the Bradford Chamber of Commerce and key members of the Bradford Centre Regeneration team.

Bradford's recent appearance at the MIPIM event is set to be reviewed at the forthcoming Bradford Property Forum, which takes place from 8am to 8.30am on Wednesday at the Norcroft Building, at the University of Bradford.

Members of the forum will discuss what is in store for the future, how Bradford's profile is changing and what it means for those in the sector.